Pontus Jansson picked up 15 yellow cards last season, but has not yet been cautioned for Leeds United this term.
While there was no doubt that Pontus Jansson’s first season at Leeds was an overwhelming success for the Sweden international personally, there was one area of his game that was perhaps slightly harmful to the Whites’ chances of promotion.
Jansson quickly became a cult-hero with a number of full-blooded tackles and brave blocks that confirmed just how much dedication he has to the team every time he steps out on the pitch.
But unfortunately, that passion seemed to land him in a spot of bother at times as he collected 15 yellow cards throughout the campaign, leaving him suspended for six games including four last season, and another two at the start of this term.
With Leeds boasting just three senior centre-back options during the season – and with Liam Cooper’s form much less impressive than it has been this term – it could be argued that Jansson’s absences hurt their play-off hopes, in conjunction with other factors.
But Jansson’s start to this season just suggests that the centre-back has struck the ideal balance between playing with the same desire that made him so influential last season and making sure that he does not cross the line.
Leeds have conceded just three league goals this season – the joint-best across the entire Football League – but the 26-year-old has not picked up a single caution from the seven appearances he has made in all competitions.
The Whites do not boast that much more depth in that area of the field than they had last season, so having Jansson avoiding suspensions will undoubtedly be welcomed by Thomas Christiansen.
And having Jansson available – fitness permitting – for as much football as possible this term could surely prove extremely beneficial if Leeds are to capitalise on their good start and find themselves in promotion contention when the business end of the campaign kicks off.
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